Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs

GENERAL SUMMARY

The department of Animal Care and Horticulture are an integrated team that cares for the animals and plants that live at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

This position is responsible for the management of plant records and labeling, plant health care and integrated pest management planning, and plant propagation. This position works closely with the Director of Horticulture to develop and execute special horticulture projects and ongoing programmatic components of the horticulture team. Assist with development of specialized plant collections, and siting of permanent plant materials. This position also is required, as needed, to assist hands-on in gardens and oversee horticulture operations projects and contractors.

Essential Job Functions:

• Manage the plant records, including the plant records database (IRIS-BG), the manufacturing and installation of plant labels, and management of regular plant inventories and data validation.
• Manage plant health care initiatives and plant quarantines under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, including indoor environmental data tracking, coordinating horticulture IPM program with Pest Control, and exploring solutions to improve plant health across zoo gardens.
• Manage plant propagation initiatives including propagule collection, sowing of seed, and asexual propagation.
• Assists the Director of Horticulture in the development of specialized horticultural collections including sourcing and ordering of plant materials, and assisting in siting of permeant collection plants.
• Assists in the development of programmatic components of the horticulture program, managing special projects as assigned.
• Assist the Director of Horticulture in programmatic information management, producing and maintaining various documents, files, and reports as requested.
• Assists the Director of Horticulture in preparation of annual horticulture budget.
• Represent the zoo in meetings and interactions with current and potential donors, partners, and other stakeholders. May be asked to present at zoo events or professional meetings and conferences.
• Occasionally may be asked to develop and implement training for horticulture team and volunteers.
• Supports horticultural operations in zoo gardens, occasionally overseeing operational projects and horticulture contractors.
• Ensures cleanliness, order, and safety of working environment for her or his self and those in and surrounding the work site.
• Occasionally participating in operations horticulture, including: grooming, mulching, planting, pruning, watering, weeding and other horticultural care.

Additional Responsibilities:

• May use electric cart and/or hand truck to transport plants and supplies
• May use vehicle for zoo pick-ups and deliveries
• May be asked to direct volunteers and guests in a zoo emergency
• May be asked to participate in a Zoo Committee
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to communicate and be understood in verbal and written business English
• Advanced skills in computer word processing, spread sheets and database software
• Advanced knowledge of plant identification and growing requirements
• Advanced Knowledge of appropriate gardening techniques and practices to promote plant health
• Knowledge in integrated pest management planning and implementation.
• Knowledge in plant propagation techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of proper handling and use on a variety of related tools, equipment and machinery
• Ability to train horticulture team members and volunteers in proper program practices and procedures
• Ability to effect and enforce safe work practices
• Ability to respond calmly and productively in emergency situations be they human or animal
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public
• Ability to operate electric cart

Education Requirements:

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field with and a minimum of three years of practical experience in applied horticulture and data management; or Degree in library sciences or related field and a minimum of three years of practical experience in applied horticulture and data management.

Experience Requirements:

Experience in landscape horticulture, plant propagation and plant health care. Prior experience in data organization and maintenance of plant records database; experience with IRIS-BG preferred. Possessing identification and cultural knowledge of common native and cultivated ornamental plant taxa in the upper Midwest. Interest in plant taxonomy and nomenclature with the ability to research plant taxa to family, genus, species, and variety or cultivar. Experience in a public garden setting preferred.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify individual.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift 75 lbs. Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach and climb. Ability to safely and effectively utilize the program tools and equipment. Ability to move about on sometimes slippery, muddy surfaces. Ability to work in all weather conditions. Ability to work on uneven terrain. No allergy to plants or animals which may interfere with the ability to work.

Additional Requirements:

Available to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed and assigned.
Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule as assigned.
Available to assist with emergency and storm related horticulture events as needed, including potential to be called in on days that are scheduled off or during unscheduled hours.
Must have valid driver’s license with good driving record.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
General working knowledge of small tools and equipment.

To complete an application for employment at Lincoln Park Zoo, download and open this PDF, fill in your information, save the form and e-mail it to hrjobs@lpzoo.org. We require a cover letter, resume, and application for all positions. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Lincoln Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer.